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VIEW Leadership Team

The VIEW National Leadership Team is the governing body of VIEW and is responsible for decision making, growth, and the health and wellbeing of the organisation.

The National leadership Team consists of three Executive members (National President and two National Vice Presidents), and 14 National Councillors, each of whom is responsible for a specific VIEW area.

National Council meets at least three times per year to:
  • facilitate the smooth running of all clubs throughout Australia;
  • consider matters of national or club importance, contributed by VIEW members or The Smith Family;
  • enhance the relationship between VIEW and The Smith Family; and
  • provide learning opportunities to develop capacity of members
Each Executive member and National Councillor serves a fixed term of two years. Elections are held every two years and are completed by July, with the successful candidates announced in September.

VIEW National Executive 2026-27

Lorraine Thomson, National President

After attending meetings throughout 2013 as a guest, Lorraine joined VIEW in February 2014, She is a proud member of Robina VIEW Club in Queensland.

For Lorraine, VIEW is a welcoming and friendly space where she has found support and long-term friendships. Through VIEW’s shared learning, social activities and support for each, Lorraine feels a strong sense of belonging. VIEW’s shared purpose to support the educational outcomes of Australian children through The Smith Family drives her involvement.

As VIEW National President, Lorraine is honoured to represent more than 13,000 VIEW members across Australia. Working with the Dianne and Angie, she is looking forward to making all members feel welcomed, heard and valued.

Her priorities include strengthening VIEW’s connections, raising awareness of VIEW’s impact and growing the organisation’s fundraising efforts so more children experiencing disadvantage can access the educational support they need to succeed.

Thank you for your trust, your support and your friendship with my journey ahead. I am proudly committed to VIEW and will lead with respect, tolerance and flexibility for all members.

 

VIEW Clubs is a powerful network with strength and resilience. Through our actions as an advocate for education, equality and opportunity, we are improving the lives of families and students – because making connections makes a difference.

Lorraine Thomson, National President

Angie Carroll, National Vice President

Angie joined Denman VIEW Club in NSW in 2012 and, after moving to the Newcastle area, transferred to Stockton VIEW Club. She is currently a passionate member of Raymond Terrace VIEW Club.

For Angie, the most meaningful part of VIEW is hearing from students about the impact of the support they receive from VIEW and The Smith Family. Reading student reports and sensing the pride children feel about their achievements, along with the relief and hope from the parents, reinforces why VIEW matters.

As a first-time member of the National Executive, Angie is excited about the difference she can make on a national level. She is ready to learn new skills to be able to best serve VIEW members across the country. Angie is passionate about helping to grow VIEW’s membership and fundraising support – so many more children can receive the educational support they need.

In the position of National Vice President, she is ready to contribute new ideas and influence decisions to ensure VIEW can increase its support for The Smith Family and sponsorship of Australian children experiencing disadvantage.

 

 

My message to VIEW members is to be proud of what you do. Talk about what VIEW means for you, invite other women along to meetings – and don’t be afraid to be involved in your club’s committee
Angie Carroll, National Vice President

Dianne Fiddes, National Vice President

Dianne joined VIEW in June 1993 as an inaugural member of Woolgoolga Evening VIEW Club, NSW. Today, she is a member of Forster/Tuncurry Evening VIEW Club and Great Lakes Evening VIEW Club, on the NSW mid north coast.

What Dianne loves about VIEW is the friendship and fun – and knowing that, with her fellow members, she is making a real difference in the lives of Learning for Life students, their families and The Smith Family.

As she steps into national leadership, Dianne is looking forward to meeting more members and hearing their VIEW experiences. She is passionate about helping to grow VIEW through mentoring others and ensuring VIEW remains a positive experience for all. She is focused on supporting clubs to create positive committees and promoting stronger communication with each other and the wider community.

VIEW exists to help families experiencing disadvantage give their children a good education and the support they need. VIEW also exists to support women in communities. Connect with your fellow members, stay involved with VIEW and, together, we can make a difference.
Dianne Fiddes, National Vice President

National Manager

a woman wearing a white jacket smiling with her hands crossed

MARYANNE MAHER, NATIONAL MANAGER - VIEW

Maryanne joined The Smith Family in 2008 as Strategic Resource Manager, and in 2009 was appointed as National Manager, VIEW.

As National Manager VIEW, Maryanne drives the strategic direction and works closely with the VIEW National Executive and National Council of biennially elected office holders, all of whom are volunteers and represent the more than 13,000 VIEW members throughout metropolitan, regional and rural Australia.

Maryanne has accumulated more than 20 years experience in a corporate environment, the health industry and not-for-profit organisations. She commenced her career as a commercial lawyer and practised in leading law firms in Sydney and Melbourne before moving into business management. Her qualifications include: BA, LLB, MBA, Diploma in Labour Relations and the Law and GAICD.